SEAI chief executive, Professor J. Owen Lewis, said: "The roadmaps are a further important mapping of the long term opportunities in energy and the road to a decarbonised energy system for Ireland.

"They show a great many benefits, including reduced energy imports leading to increased security of supply, increased use of renewables leading to lower CO2 emissions and significant employment and economic opportunities.

"Importantly, the roadmaps assist in informing the necessary decisions and actions about our long term ambition for sustainable energy in Ireland."